Building development

The work is continuing...

Everybody recognises St Thomas'. A couple of years ago, when our clock went wrong, we were blamed for people being late for work. We have hundreds of visitors (yes, we've counted) every week. But now we need your help. We have no government funding, and we are not a parish church, so cannot ask those living round about. Please read on for details...

Here at St Thomas', we have the best location in Newcastle, a wonderful, small but committed, congregation, and a large amount of hope and prayer. We believe our building could be used by many more people, for the greater good of the whole community.

The first part of this was completed in May 2014: We have re-furbished the room, now re-named "The Herman Schier Vestry", which is available for letting out to groups. Please do ask - good rates are available. If we let this space out at a commercial rate, we can use the profits, after expenses, to help community groups use the space which they otherwise couldn't afford. We already host Alcoholics Anonymous, AlAnon, Tyneside Claimants Union, asylum seeker groups, Movement 4 change, and "Make Poverty History" as well as numerous one-off events.

The next stage was the heating. In February 2014 the boiler gave out. We needed a replacement and after consultation opted for a wood pellet boiler, which reduces our carbon footprint significantly. We are the first building in the centre of Newcastle to do this. It is very exciting, and we're convinced it's the right thing to do. The boiler was installed in March 2015, and we held a "church-warming party" to celebrate. All those who had helped us, advised us, and those who'd continued to support us even throughout the cold winter, were invited.

But the roof was still leaking, and the facilities were not really fit for purpose. So we sat down to decide how to fund-raise for the bigger project. There are two main aspects to this: making the roof watertight (and re-plastering, re-painting the walls affected); and installing toilets, including accessible toilet. This work is now in progress...

In November 2015 we heard that we had been given a "first round pass" Heritage Lottery Fund award. It took until March 2017 to complete the second round application, but all that is now finalised. Together with a successful application to the National Churches Trust, who are giving us £20,000, we are nearly there. Thanks to promises from generous members of the congregation, we can go ahead - but while we've got the scaffolding up, it would be good if we could do a little more: the lighting is awful, and we would love to repaint the outside doors. The Boiler House steps need protection, and when all the other work is done, we plan to widen the tarmac area at the east end, to avoid it getting chewed up with tyre marks. So we are still fund-raising: moneys raised will go towards all this work.

Update: The roof is now watertight, and the plastering done. The installation of toilets is now under way, and we are beginning to rethink how we manage with very limited kitchen facilities. Then we redecorate, and lose the slightly "piebald" effect. It's all happening...

We have now received quotes for all the work currently planned. This includes the installation of a water fountain. This is to cut down on the plastic used in water bottles. Catherine is becoming known for refusing to drink bottled water... This will cost an additional £850 but we are committed to doing this.

We have also received a quote for re-decorating the whole of the inside of the church. This is a bigger sum: approx £12,000, but it would be so good if we can do it... If anybody is feeling generous, please speak to us asap, as a decision will have to be made by late February 2018.

St Thomas' will remain first and foremost a church - but we are restoring the church to its place at the centre of the community - a facility which everyone can use. We have a great reputation in this city for being an inclusive church - open to all - strong on social justice, and hosting discussion. We welcome interfaith dialogue, and people from all parts of the Christian spectrum to speak and debate here.

Please support us in the next stage of our mission

(Donations always welcome: payable to "St Thomas the Martyr Trust" which is the Building Fund - so the money won't go on general church expenses)